How To Replace Brake Lever Hoods

I show how to replace the hoods on vintage aero brake levers. The levers in this video are Shimano BL-1051 brake levers. The hoods for those are not common, and expensive to get. So I used hoods made for Shimano BL-1055 brake levers which are much cheaper and easier to find.

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[Free_Ranger_CT]

Good tip RJ on the different series hoods working & being much cheaper. Fitting hoods is easy, coughing up lots of cash for genuine (if you can find them) parts not so easy. As someone who enjoys fixing up old wrecks I appreciate it's very easy to spend more than the bike's worth.

[mikegibson]

Hi from England. If you can't get or don't want to buy rubbing alcohol a good tip is to soften the rubber hoods by placing them on a warm radiator for about 15 minutes. This makes them much easier to slide on

[johnpossum]

I used your alcohol tip to put new blue handlebar grips on one of my mtb bikes. Looks so much better now.

[Renogue]

Thanks for this video. I had the same exact issue on my Ironman, found the same solution, but never got around to actual replacing the hoods before moving and selling it on to a friend. Glad to see how it would've (hopefully) turned out!

[ministryoftruth]

Back in the '80s those Shimano 105 SLR Brake Levers were so Desirable Road Racers would swap them out to replace even their Dura Ace Levers because they have a return spring inside. I still have a couple pair, one on a Bike I still ride enough to justify replacing the Hoods. I ride it without Hoods resting my hands on the bare Alloy Hoods, and it's slippery, uncomfortable and irritatating as all Hell. I had no idea there's a 'Close Match' available. I'm ordering those hoods right now. THANK YOU RJ for the Lead!!!

PS - If you want to hide some Emergency Ca$h on your Bike, flip the Rubber Brake Hoods back as far as they'll go, and around each bare metal Brake Hood wrap a $20 Bill tight (folded lengthwise into 4's) and tape it, then fold the rubber back over to conceal the money. $40 comes in handy for an Uber if your Bike's unrepairable at the roadside or if you're hungry and need a meal or run across something you want to buy. You can even fit $60 extra (#3 $20 Bills) folded into 4's and rolled around the Stem Cap Bolt conceiled under the Stem Cap, but you'll need an allen wrench to access it. That won't work with Quill Stems like on RJ's Vintage Centurion. I carry $100 cash hidden on all my Bikes JIC SHTF out there!

[chrismad]

Very nice Centurion bike most of them are very lightweight created in 1969 an ceased operation in 2000, btw thanks for sharing you video.

[RyansuBike]

I often remove the lever from the bars and mount the hoods from the back forward, more work but less stretching of new hood (but I have torn new hoods when mounting so I am wary). Good tip on the rubbing alcohol

[Bikeops]

Super retro bike in a pastel colour, great informative video too... 👍

[Barryer]

Always practical, no-nonsense advice. Why go anywhere else?

[einHOCHaufWISEGUYS]

can you tell me where to find a new hood for my honda civic?
I've done nothing and I'm all out of ideas :P

[papalouie]

Hello from Toronto, your video is very timely. I have been looking to replace the gooey white hoods on my 30+yr old PS-28 for a while now. It seems those white hoods are no longer available.
I'm glad to see I can slip them once they are back in-stock.

[bob-nykn]

Nice sourcing and technique. Good to see you back on air old friend. Be well. Your winter lake effect will be over in only two more months.

[MR.G]

Thanks for the video! Just install new covers that, I ordered on Amazon for my Fuji Ace.

[judithsharpe-yl]

Thank you. Replacing hoods on my 1995 Trek road bike.

[Hertog_von_Berkshire]

Very useful thank you. I need to do the self same job on the self same levers.

[bici.fender.orlando.]

Saludos..buen trabajo..desde Colombia..👍

[joannelouiserodriguez]

Nice those are rare to find these days impressive

[elmoreglidingclub]

Nice, and very helpful. I need help with how to detach and reattach the brake cables so I can fit the hoods. Can you do a video on that, RJ?! (It’s not like you’re busy or anything, right?!). Great channel!

[doghouse]

love the color of that salmon centurion!

[joekahno]

Nice video! I haven't seen much from you for a while. Just finished piecing together a junk box cruiser starting with a Specialized Rock Hopper frame. I'm sure I'll have hours of entertainment as I replace each mismatched part with what I really want. Meanwhile, I have basic transportation.